Ordinance On Cards To Ensure Safety Of Health Workers: Health Minister

Kollam: Health Secretary Veena George on Wednesday condemned the killing of a teacher by a teacher at Taluk Hospital in Kottarak. The minister expressed his sorrow and grief over the doctor's death, noting that Kerala could no longer tolerate such attacks on health workers. While talking to the media here he said that the government will issue an executive order to ensure the safety of healthcare workers in the state.

"Government introduced the Kerala Health Services (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act 2012 for individuals and health facilities to prevent violence against doctors, hospitals and other health workers. We call a meeting of medical unions to discuss the issue". The government has already decided to issue an order after discussions with various associations of health workers," the minister said in response to a media query about the government's efforts to curb this violence against doctors on duty.

He also said that the government wants to strengthen the surveillance system in hospitals by installing more surveillance cameras.

He expressed his disappointment in this incident which took place in the security system of the police. The Police Support Center operates out of Taluk Hospital in Kottarakar. Health workers including the CMO were also present during the attack. The doctor on duty was not an experienced person. I was horrified when the accused incited violence in the hospital. The man attacked the doctor when he fell to the ground trying to escape. The minister said, the incident is very sad.

The minister emphasized that the Human Rights Defense Fund has always taken a strong stand against violence against health workers by the government. Veena George said the decision was taken after a deep discussion on the procedures to be followed while dealing with drug addicts.

Vandana Das, 25, of Kottayam, who was working as an internal surgeon at Kottarkara Taluk Hospital, was killed by a teacher while receiving treatment. Six people were injured in the attack that took place early Wednesday morning. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at KEMS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.

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